How much does it cost to build a garage?

Whether you’re looking to replace an existing garage or build one for the first time, a new garage can be an exciting prospect. But how much does a garage cost to build?

Here, we’ll break down the typical cost to build a garage and explain the different factors that will affect how much you pay.

How much does a garage cost to build in the UK?

To build a garage in the UK, you can expect to spend anywhere from £18,000 to £50,000.

Garage building costs by type

There are lots of different factors that will affect how much it costs to build a garage – such as your garage’s size.

However, one of the biggest factors will be the materials used. Choosing between a brick, concrete or prefab garage will depend on your available budget, your garage’s intended use and how quickly you want it built.

Read on to get an idea of the cost to build some of the most popular garage types.

What are typical concrete garage prices?

If you’re looking for an affordable option that’s easy to install, a concrete garage could be ideal.

Concrete garage prices can vary based on the size and complexity of the build. But a single garage with a flat roof will cost on average £22,000. This will increase to £30,000 if you opt for a pitched tiled roof.

Concrete is a durable and long-lasting material. Plus, concrete garages are excellent at retaining heat and will protect against external forces like fire, noise and extreme weather.

Just bear in mind that these garages need to be carefully installed by a professional. This is because small ground movements, cracks, and other damage can be costly to repair

How much does a brick garage cost?

Masonry (brick or block) garages have been around for much longer than concrete garages.

The average brick garage price (for a garage 6m wide x 6m deep x 2.5m high) is between £24,000 and £32,000.

These garages have many advantages over other builds. They’re excellent at soundproofing, great at retaining heat and straightforward to maintain. This makes them perfect for most needs.

On the flip side, a brick garage can be costly to repair, expensive to modify and can add a lot more weight to your foundations.

How much does a prefab garage cost in the UK?

When compared to conventional brick or concrete garages, people are often surprised to hear just how little prefab garages cost.

Prefab garage prices range from £1,000 and £8,000, dependent on labour and associated costs.

These garages are a fantastic option for homeowners looking to put up a garage quickly and cheaply. They’re easy to get onto your property and come in a large variety of shapes and sizes to suit your needs.

That said, although they’re affordable, prefab garages are often less sturdy and resilient than brick or concrete garages. You’ll also miss out on being able to add bespoke elements to your build. Plus, some homeowners dislike the way they look.

How much does a breeze block garage cost?

Aside from prefab garages, blocks are the cheapest option.

You’re looking at a price of around £2 per block and you’ll need around 200 blocks to build a single detached garage.

That means you can expect to pay around £400 for materials, in comparison to around £500 - £1,500 for materials to build with bricks.

How much do garage doors cost?

Garage doors give you a chance to add some custom flair to your build. But they can also impact your overall garage cost in a big way.

As a general rule, it’s wise to budget at least £1,000 + VAT for your garage door, with insulated steel, wood and double units costing considerably more. Opting for automated doors will also cause your costs to climb.

Here are some typical costs for a range of garage doors.

Up and over garage door cost

Canopy up and over garage doors are the most common style for garages. They open upwards and outwards, creating a canopy above your head.

For a single garage, these doors typically cost £550 + VAT in steel.

Retractable up and over doors are slightly more expensive and are very popular. These doors slide up into the garage on horizontal runners when opened, and can easily be converted to be remote controlled.

Sectional garage doors cost

If you have larger vehicles or require a higher space, sectional doors split into horizontal panels that move across curved tracks.

Remote controlled and with a bit of a wow factor, these doors retail at an average cost of £1,000 + VAT in steel for a single garage.

Side hinged doors

Side hinged doors start at £1,225 + VAT in steel for a single garage.

This type of door opens in the middle, which means it never enters your garage space. With that in mind, these doors are perfect for people looking to use their garage for storage.

Read our guides to garage door replacement and repair costs to learn more.

Garage build cost calculator

To calculate your garage construction costs, you’ll first need to work out the size, shape and layout of your build – that includes whether it will be a single or a double garage.

You’ll then need to decide on the type of roof you want, the materials to be used, and whether you’re going for single skin or cavity walls.

Once you have all that information, you should be able to get like-for-like quotes from local builders.

Get accurate quotes for garage building costs

The best way to get an accurate cost for building a garage is to get quotes from local builders.

We always recommend getting at least three quotes if you’re looking to construct a garage. This is so that you can get a feel for the right company for you. It will also allow you to compare prices and quotes to make sure you’re getting a fair and competitive price for the work.

Our request a quote feature is perfect for getting quotes. Just post details about the job you want doing and we’ll send it out to local builders in your area.

Alternatively, enter your postcode below to browse a selection of experienced builders near you.

Garage construction cost calculator: hourly rates

Another way of getting a rough calculation for how much your garage might cost is to go by hourly or daily rates.

There are a number of different tradespeople you may need to hire to build a garage. Here’s what they might charge:

• Builder – £400 per day
• Structural engineer cost – £100 - £200 per hour
• Carpenter prices – £20 - £40 per hour
• Electrician hourly rate – £50 per hour
• Painter and decorator prices – £180 - £200 per day

Please note, these rates are average rates across the UK. Costs are higher in London and the South East.

Factors affecting your garage price

As we’ve already touched upon, there are lots of different factors that can affect the final cost of a garage build – from the size of your garage to the materials used.

Here’s a comprehensive list of the key factors to consider.

Materials

The materials used to construct your garage will impact your overall cost.

Concrete garage prices are generally more affordable than traditional brick garages. Meanwhile, prefab garages use cheaper materials, which is reflected in their price.

Size

When it comes to determining the total price of a garage, size really does matter.

As with most constructions, the greater the size, the greater the cost. After all, bigger garages will use more materials and take longer to build.

A 6x6m garage which is 2.5m in height could cost between £22,000 - £30,000 on average. Any increase in size will mean an increase in your total garage price.

Flat or pitched roof?

If you are trying to keep your garage costs down, a flat roof is cheaper and simpler to build. It can also be built to accommodate foot traffic.

That said, a pitched roof will require less maintenance over time as they are the preferred choice for longevity and durability. So, by forking out a bit extra now, you may be able to keep your roof repair costs down in the long run.

Single or double garage?

The difference between the price of a single or double garage is straightforward.

Double garages will use more materials and require more labour. Therefore, they’re more expensive than single garages.

Single skin or two walls with a cavity?

A single skin wall is a wall that’s a single brick thick. Meanwhile, a cavity wall consists of two thin walls with a gap between them known as the cavity.

This gap will prevent rain from getting into the property through the outer wall. It can also be insulated to keep your space temperate.

A single skin is a more affordable option. But for a garage attached to a house, a cavity wall is thoroughly recommended, even if it increases the total garage price.

Landscaping

Depending on where you’re planning to build your garage, you may need to invest in landscaping or gardening work.

For example, it may be that your driveway needs altering to accommodate your new garage.

All extra work like this will push up your total garage building cost.

Intended use

In many cases, your garage price will be determined by its intended purpose.

For example, if you plan to use your garage for hobbies and activities – or you want to convert your garage into a room – you’ll require higher levels of insulation than if you plan to use it for storage.

Similarly, the intended use will affect your choice of garage flooring and design elements, which will in turn affect the total garage price.

How long does it take to build a garage?

It can take anywhere from two weeks to two months to build a garage, depending on the complexity of the project.

However, prefabricated garages are typically much quicker to build. These can usually be constructed within 48 to 72 hours.

Do I need planning permission for a garage?

In most cases, you won’t need planning permission for a garage. This is because most garages will fall under your permitted development rights.

That said, there are exceptions. For example, if you live in a conservation area or you’re planning to build a particularly large garage, you’ll likely need planning permission.

Similarly, if you’re hoping to use your garage as a living space, you may have to seek permission.

To be on the safe side, it’s always best to contact your local council or authority before starting work. They’ll be able to confirm whether any planning permission is required and which building regulations must be followed.

What size garage can I build without planning?

If you’re hoping to build your garage without planning permission, you’ll need to keep it below a certain size. It should:

• Have a floor space of less than 15 m² if detached or 30 m² if attached to your home
• Be no higher than 4 metres
• Only be one storey high
• Take up less than half of your land

Building a garage checklist

• On average, a single garage build will cost in the region of £22,000 - £30,000
• Prefabricated garages are cheaper but lack the longevity of a concrete or brick garage
• Size, complexity and the materials used are key factors in dictating the price of the build
• Additional costs may be incurred if an electrician is needed or landscaping required
• You don’t usually need planning permission to build a garage, but you do have to follow government regulations

FAQs

How much is it to build a garage UK?

The cost to build a garage in the UK will depend on the type of garage you choose, its size and the complexity of the build. However, as a rough guide, you’re looking at £24,000 and £32,000 for an average brick garage that’s 6m wide x 6m deep x 2.5m high.

Does a garage add value to a house?

Yes, a garage has the potential to add value to your house. It could add between 5% and 10% to the total value of your property.

A garage conversion could add even more value, with the potential to add up to 20% to your property price.

What is the cheapest type of garage to build?

The cheapest way to build a garage in the UK is to opt for a prefab garage. These garages can cost as little as £1,000 and £8,000 and are quick and easy to install.

What is the cheapest way to insulate a garage UK?

As long as your garage’s interior walls haven’t yet been constructed, the cheapest way to insulate your garage will usually be to use fibreglass roll insulation.

This can be used both on your walls and in the attic space. It can simply be rolled out and stapled between your wall studs or laid flat on horizontal surfaces, making it easy to install as well as cost effective.

Can I build my own garage UK?

That depends on your level of DIY experience and the type of garage you’re looking to build. Most garage builds are complex projects that require skills in lots of different areas. As such, they’re not usually suitable to be carried out on a DIY basis, unless you have significant building experience.

On the other hand, steel-framed prefabricated garages are often sold in kit form for self-assembly. As long as you’re a competent DIY-er and have some time on your hands (as well as a helper) then you could try assembling one of these yourself.

How much does it cost to convert a garage into a room UK?

The cost to convert a garage into a room will depend on lots of things, such as the size of your garage, whether it’s attached or detached, and the purpose of the room.

That said, as a rough guide, you can expect to pay around £10,000 - £20,000 to convert an integrated or attached garage of 16m².

How much does a garage conversion cost per m² in 2024?

As a ballpark average, you’re looking at around £625 - £1,250 per m² to turn your garage into a habitable room. This is significantly less than the cost of a house extension, so it’s typically seen as a cost-effective way to add extra living space to your home.

Do I need permission to convert my garage?

You won’t typically need planning permission to convert your garage into a habitable room, as this will usually come under permitted development.

However, you’re more likely to need planning permission if your garage is detached. Similarly, if you live in a conservation area, a listed building or a new housing development, you’ll likely face stricter rules when it comes to planning.

Can I use my garage as a bedroom UK?

Yes, you should be able to use your garage as a bedroom in the UK – as long as your plans fall under permitted development rights.

However, if you’re planning to use your garage as standalone accommodation then you’ll likely need to apply for ‘change of use.’

How close to my boundary can I build a garage UK?

How close to your boundary you can build a garage and other similar outbuildings will vary depending on local planning policies and other details that are unique to your property.

The best way to make sure you’re meeting requirements is to speak to your local planning department or get professional advice from builders who have experience constructing garages near you.